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Lu W, Tingting H, Kaihua L, Yuan W, Yang L, Ye L, Yuxi L, Hong Z. A TCM formula assists temozolomide in anti-melanoma therapy by suppressing the STAT3 signaling pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2025; 337:118810. [PMID: 39255877 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2024] [Revised: 09/03/2024] [Accepted: 09/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Temozolomide (TMZ) is a first-line therapeutic medication for melanoma. Nonetheless, it exhibits a relatively elevated toxicity profile, and falls short in terms of both effectiveness and median survival rate. Clinical research has demonstrated that the integration of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with chemotherapy in the treatment of melanoma can enhance efficacy and reduce toxicity. A TCM formula (SLE) containing Lonicera japonica Thunb. and Robinia pseudoacacia L. has shown anti-melanoma properties through the inhibition of STAT3 phosphorylation. In the genesis and advancement of melanoma, the STAT3 signaling pathway is essential. AIM OF THE STUDY The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of SLE combined with TMZ (SLE/TMZ) in inhibiting melanoma, and to explore the contribution of inhibiting the STAT3 signaling pathway in this effect. MATERIALS AND METHODS Both A375 cells and B16F10 tumor-bearing mice were used for in vitro and in vivo experiments, respectively. In vitro assays included CCK8, crystal violet staining, flow cytometry, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting. Animal experiment indicators included tumor volume, tumor weight, mouse weight, and the proportion of mouse immune cells. RESULTS SLE/TMZ inhibited the proliferation and growth of A375 cells, and also induced apoptosis. Additionally, SLE/TMZ synergistically inhibited tumor growth in the B16F10 melanoma mouse model and had immunomodulatory effects, increasing the proportion of Th, Tc, and NK cells and decreasing the proportion of MDSCs in the spleen of melanoma-bearing mice. qRT-PCR and Western blotting results confirmed that SLE/TMZ inhibited STAT3 phosphorylation and regulated its downstream factors, including Bcl2, Mcl1, CCND1, MYC, MMP2, MMP9, VEGFA, and FGF2. The inhibitory effect of SLE/TMZ on melanoma cell growth was considerably lessened when STAT3 was overexpressed at the cellular level. CONCLUSION Synergistic anti-melanoma effects of SLE/TMZ have been observed in animal and cellular models. One of the mechanisms of SLE/TMZ that underlies its anti-melanoma actions is inhibition of the STAT3 pathway. This work offers pre-clinical pharmacological backing for the advancement of SLE as a therapeutic agent to be used in conjunction with TMZ for the treatment of melanoma.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- STAT3 Transcription Factor/metabolism
- Temozolomide/pharmacology
- Temozolomide/therapeutic use
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Mice
- Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology
- Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use
- Humans
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Melanoma, Experimental/drug therapy
- Melanoma, Experimental/metabolism
- Melanoma, Experimental/pathology
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Apoptosis/drug effects
- Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating/pharmacology
- Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating/therapeutic use
- Melanoma/drug therapy
- Melanoma/metabolism
- Medicine, Chinese Traditional/methods
- Male
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/pharmacology
- Skin Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Skin Neoplasms/pathology
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Lu
- Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712046, China; Shaanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Shaanxi Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), No.4 Xihuamen, Xi'an, 710003, China.
| | - Huang Tingting
- Northwest University, No. 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, 710069, China.
| | - Long Kaihua
- Shaanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Shaanxi Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), No.4 Xihuamen, Xi'an, 710003, China.
| | - Wang Yuan
- Shaanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Shaanxi Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), No.4 Xihuamen, Xi'an, 710003, China.
| | - Liu Yang
- Shaanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Shaanxi Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), No.4 Xihuamen, Xi'an, 710003, China.
| | - Li Ye
- Shaanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Shaanxi Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), No.4 Xihuamen, Xi'an, 710003, China.
| | - Liu Yuxi
- Shaanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Shaanxi Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), No.4 Xihuamen, Xi'an, 710003, China.
| | - Zhang Hong
- Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712046, China; Shaanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Shaanxi Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), No.4 Xihuamen, Xi'an, 710003, China; Northwest University, No. 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, 710069, China.
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Sanlier N, Ejder ZB, Irmak E. Are the Effects of Bioactive Components on Human Health a Myth?: Black Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) from Exotic Fruits. Curr Nutr Rep 2024; 13:815-827. [PMID: 39278865 DOI: 10.1007/s13668-024-00572-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/18/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Black elderberry has come to the fore in recent years due to its health benefits. Black elderberry fruit (Sambucus nigra L.), collected from natural sources, has a rich content of protein, vitamins, antioxidants, unsaturated fatty acids, and minerals as it contains conjugated and free forms of amino acids. RECENT FINDINGS Black elderberry can prevent oxidative stress and reduce blood pressure and prevent cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, neurodegenerative diseases thanks to the polyphenols it contains. It can prevent diseases, stimulate the immune system, show an antitumor effect, and be effective in the course of disease processes by rising the activity of antioxidant enzymes, including glutathione. Since black elderberry is a promising food in terms of bioactive components, it is considered as promising to treat and prevent many diseases. However, it is not correct to prove its beneficial effects on the prevention of chronic diseases and to make generalisations. Therefore, there is a need of more comprehensive evidence-based clinical studies and data. This review examined current evidence and discussions about the health-related effects of black elderberry, which contains many biologically active components such as polyphenols, phenolic acids, flavonols, proanthocyanidins and anthocyanins, as well as terpenes and lectins, and offered some suggestions on its use in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nevin Sanlier
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences, Ankara Medipol University, 06050, Altındağ, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Zeynep Bengisu Ejder
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences, Ankara Medipol University, 06050, Altındağ, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Esra Irmak
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences, Ankara Medipol University, 06050, Altındağ, Ankara, Turkey
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da Silva VRF, da Silva GB, Manica D, Deolindo CTP, Bagatini MD, Kempka AP. Phytotherapeutic potential of Campomanesia xanthocarpa (Mart.) O. Berg: antitumor effects in vitro and in silico, with emphasis on SK-MEL-28 melanoma cells-a study on leaf and fruit infusions. In Silico Pharmacol 2024; 12:105. [PMID: 39569036 PMCID: PMC11574240 DOI: 10.1007/s40203-024-00286-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 11/04/2024] [Indexed: 11/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The study investigated the efficacy of Campomanesia xanthocarpa infusions on human melanoma cells (SK-MEL-28). The phytochemical profile revealed 18 phenolic compounds in the leaf infusion and 9 in the fruit infusion. After 24 h of treatment, the infusions demonstrated antineoplastic effects, reducing cell viability at all tested concentrations for the leaf infusion. For the fruit infusion, a significant reduction in cell viability was observed specifically at the 800 μg/mL concentration. Fluorescence microscopy and mitochondrial membrane potential results indicated that the leaf infusion was more effective in reducing cell viability and mitochondrial function in SK-MEL-28 cells, possibly due to its greater variety of phenolic compounds compared to the fruit infusion. The leaf infusion also induced higher production of intracellular reactive oxygen species compared to the fruit infusion. Protein sulfhydryl levels were reduced for the leaf infusion. Epigallocatechin gallate, Isoquercitrin, Rutin, Kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, Chlorogenic acid, and Ellagic acid were identified as the main compounds with activity against SK-MEL-28 cells. Molecular docking analysis underscored factors such as affinity, cavity size, binding mode, and contact residues with specific compounds chosen for their favorable properties in targeting BRAF, CDK4, CDK6, MEK1, and MEK2. The variability in binding affinities may directly influence the compounds' ability to inhibit different signaling pathways related to cancer cell growth and proliferation. The results suggest that phenolic compounds from C. xanthocarpa extracts have therapeutic potential and could contribute to melanoma therapies. Supplementary information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40203-024-00286-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Ruana Ferreira da Silva
- Multicentric Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State University of Santa Catarina, Lages, SC Brazil
| | - Gilnei Bruno da Silva
- Multicentric Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State University of Santa Catarina, Lages, SC Brazil
| | - Daiane Manica
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC Brazil
| | - Carolina Turnes Pasini Deolindo
- Ministry of AgricultureLivestock, and Food Supply, Federal Agricultural Defense Laboratory, São José, SC Brazil
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC Brazil
| | - Margarete Dulce Bagatini
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Chapecó, SC Brazil
| | - Aniela Pinto Kempka
- Multicentric Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State University of Santa Catarina, Lages, SC Brazil
- Department of Food Engineering and Chemical Engineering, Santa Catarina State University, Fernando de Noronha Street, BR 282, Km 573.5, Pinhalzinho, SC 89870-000 Brazil
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Farhat AA, Almahdi YA, Alshuhani FZ, Xhabija B. Morphological and Optical Profiling of Melanocytes and SK-MEL-28 Melanoma Cells Via Digital Holographic Microscopy and Quantitative Phase Imaging. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2024:e2400346. [PMID: 39526697 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202400346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 09/24/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024]
Abstract
Melanoma, which originates from pigment-producing melanocytes, is an aggressive and deadly skin cancer. Despite extensive research, its mechanisms of progression and metastasis remain unclear. This study uses quantitative phase imaging via digital holographic microscopy, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and t-distributed Stochastic Neighbor Embedding (t-SNE) to identify the morphological, optical, and behavioral differences between normal melanocytes and SK-MEL-28 melanoma cells. Our findings reveal significant differences in cell shape, size, and internal organization, with SK-MEL-28 cells displaying greater size variability, more polygonal shapes, and higher optical thickness. Phase shift parameters and surface roughness analyses underscore melanoma cells' uniform and predictable textures. Violin plots highlight the dynamic and varied migration of SK-MEL-28 cells, contrasting with the localized movement of melanocytes. Hierarchical clustering of correlation matrices provides further insights into complex morphological and optical relationships. Integrating label-free imaging with robust analytical methods enhances understanding of melanoma's aggressive behavior, supporting targeted therapies and highlighting potential biomarkers for precise melanoma diagnostics and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayah A Farhat
- College of Arts Sciences and Letters, Department of Natural Science, University of Michigan-Dearborn, Dearborn, MI, 48128, USA
| | - Yazan A Almahdi
- College of Arts Sciences and Letters, Department of Natural Science, University of Michigan-Dearborn, Dearborn, MI, 48128, USA
| | - Fatima Z Alshuhani
- College of Arts Sciences and Letters, Department of Natural Science, University of Michigan-Dearborn, Dearborn, MI, 48128, USA
| | - Besa Xhabija
- College of Arts Sciences and Letters, Department of Natural Science, University of Michigan-Dearborn, Dearborn, MI, 48128, USA
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Dehelean C, Alexa E, Marcovici I, Iftode A, Lazar G, Simion A, Chis V, Pirnau A, Pinzaru SC, Boeriu E. Synthesis, characterization, and in vitro-in ovo toxicological screening of silibinin fatty acids conjugates as prodrugs with potential biomedical applications. BIOMOLECULES & BIOMEDICINE 2024; 24:1735-1750. [PMID: 38907734 PMCID: PMC11496873 DOI: 10.17305/bb.2024.10600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Silibinin (SIL), the most active phytocompound from Silybum marianum (L.), exerts many biological effects but has low stability and bioavailability. To overcome these drawbacks, the current research proposed the synthesis of silibilin oleate (SIL-O) and silibilin linoleate (SIL-L) derivatives as prodrugs with potentially optimized properties for biomedical applications, and the establishment of their in vitro-in ovo safety profiles. The physicochemical characterization of the obtained compounds using density functional theory (DFT) calculations, and Raman and 1H liquid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy confirmed the formation of SIL-O and SIL-L complexes. Computational predictions revealed that these lipophilic derivatives present a lower drug-likeness score (-29.96 for SIL-O and -23.55 for SIL-L) compared to SIL, but an overall positive drug score (0.07) and no risk for severe adverse effects. SIL-O and SIL-L showed no cytotoxicity or impairment in cell migration at low concentrations, but at the highest concentration (100 μM), they displayed distinct toxicological profiles. SIL-L was more cytotoxic (on cardiomyoblasts - H9c2(2-1), hepatocytes - HepaRG, and keratinocytes - HaCaT) than SIL-O or SIL, significantly inhibiting cell viability (<60%), altering cellular morphology, reducing cell confluence (<70%), and inducing prominent apoptotic-like nuclear features. At the concentration of 100 μM, SIL-O presented an irritation score (IS) of 0.61, indicating a lack of irritant effect on the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM), while SIL-L was classified as a slight irritant with an IS of 1.99. These findings outline a more favorable in vitro and in ovo biocompatibility for SIL-O compared to SIL L, whose applications are dosage limited due to potential toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Dehelean
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania
- Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluations, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Ersilia Alexa
- Faculty of Food Engineering, University of Life Sciences “King Michael I” from Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Iasmina Marcovici
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania
- Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluations, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Andrada Iftode
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania
- Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluations, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Geza Lazar
- “Ioan Ursu” Institute of the Faculty of Physics, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- RDI Institute of Applied Natural Sciences, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Andrea Simion
- “Ioan Ursu” Institute of the Faculty of Physics, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- National Institute of Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Vasile Chis
- “Ioan Ursu” Institute of the Faculty of Physics, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Adrian Pirnau
- National Institute of Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Simona Cinta Pinzaru
- “Ioan Ursu” Institute of the Faculty of Physics, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- RDI Institute of Applied Natural Sciences, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Estera Boeriu
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, “Louis Turcanu” Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children, Timisoara, Romania
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Zhao H, Chen Z, Kang X, Yang B, Luo P, Li H, He Q. The frontline of alternatives to animal testing: novel in vitro skin model application in drug development and evaluation. Toxicol Sci 2023; 196:152-169. [PMID: 37702017 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfad093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The FDA Modernization Act 2.0 has brought nonclinical drug evaluation into a new era. In vitro models are widely used and play an important role in modern drug development and evaluation, including early candidate drug screening and preclinical drug efficacy and toxicity assessment. Driven by regulatory steering and facilitated by well-defined physiology, novel in vitro skin models are emerging rapidly, becoming the most advanced area in alternative testing research. The revolutionary technologies bring us many in vitro skin models, either laboratory-developed or commercially available, which were all built to emulate the structure of the natural skin to recapitulate the skin's physiological function and particular skin pathology. During the model development, how to achieve balance among complexity, accessibility, capability, and cost-effectiveness remains the core challenge for researchers. This review attempts to introduce the existing in vitro skin models, align them on different dimensions, such as structural complexity, functional maturity, and screening throughput, and provide an update on their current application in various scenarios within the scope of chemical testing and drug development, including testing in genotoxicity, phototoxicity, skin sensitization, corrosion/irritation. Overall, the review will summarize a general strategy for in vitro skin model to enhance future model invention, application, and translation in drug development and evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Zhao
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research of Zhejiang University, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhaozeng Chen
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Xingchen Kang
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research of Zhejiang University, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Peihua Luo
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research of Zhejiang University, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Hui Li
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research of Zhejiang University, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Qiaojun He
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research of Zhejiang University, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
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Baloghová J, Michalková R, Baranová Z, Mojžišová G, Fedáková Z, Mojžiš J. Spice-Derived Phenolic Compounds: Potential for Skin Cancer Prevention and Therapy. Molecules 2023; 28:6251. [PMID: 37687080 PMCID: PMC10489044 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28176251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Skin cancer is a condition characterized by the abnormal growth of skin cells, primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Different types of skin cancer include melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Despite the advancements in targeted therapies, there is still a need for a safer, highly efficient approach to preventing and treating cutaneous malignancies. Spices have a rich history dating back thousands of years and are renowned for their ability to enhance the flavor, taste, and color of food. Derived from various plant parts like seeds, fruits, bark, roots, or flowers, spices are important culinary ingredients. However, their value extends beyond the culinary realm. Some spices contain bioactive compounds, including phenolic compounds, which are known for their significant biological effects. These compounds have attracted attention in scientific research due to their potential health benefits, including their possible role in disease prevention and treatment, such as cancer. This review focuses on examining the potential of spice-derived phenolic compounds as preventive or therapeutic agents for managing skin cancers. By compiling and analyzing the available knowledge, this review aims to provide insights that can guide future research in identifying new anticancer phytochemicals and uncovering additional mechanisms for combating skin cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janette Baloghová
- Department of Dermatovenerology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia; (J.B.); (Z.B.); (Z.F.)
| | - Radka Michalková
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 040 01 Kosice, Slovakia;
| | - Zuzana Baranová
- Department of Dermatovenerology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia; (J.B.); (Z.B.); (Z.F.)
| | - Gabriela Mojžišová
- Center of Clinical and Preclinical Research MEDIPARK, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 040 01 Kosice, Slovakia;
| | - Zuzana Fedáková
- Department of Dermatovenerology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia; (J.B.); (Z.B.); (Z.F.)
| | - Ján Mojžiš
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 040 01 Kosice, Slovakia;
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Stępień AE, Trojniak J, Tabarkiewicz J. Health-Promoting Properties: Anti-Inflammatory and Anticancer Properties of Sambucus nigra L. Flowers and Fruits. Molecules 2023; 28:6235. [PMID: 37687064 PMCID: PMC10489118 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28176235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Sambucus nigra L. has been used for centuries in traditional medicine thanks to its valuable healing properties. The healing properties result from its high content of biologically active compounds, mainly antioxidants, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. In our review, we have presented scientific studies evaluating the anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects of extracts and their components from S. nigra L. flowers and fruits. The results of the research show that the effect of antioxidant phytochemicals contained in their composition reduces the level of free radicals and pro-inflammatory cytokines, prevents mutations that increase the risk of cancer development, and inhibits cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis, and changes in intracellular signaling, consequently inhibiting the growth of malignant tumors and the formation of metastases. Flowers and fruits of S. nigra L. are a valuable source of nutraceutical and pharmacological substances that can support prevention and anti-inflammatory and oncological therapy without negative side effects for the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Ewa Stępień
- Institute of Health Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Rzeszow, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland
| | - Julia Trojniak
- Student’s Scientific Club Immunology, Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Rzeszow, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland;
| | - Jacek Tabarkiewicz
- Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Rzeszow, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland;
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Ghiulai R, Mioc A, Racoviceanu R, Mioc M, Milan A, Prodea A, Semenescu A, Dehelean C, Barbu Tudoran L, Avram Ș, Trandafirescu C, Șoica C. The Anti-Melanoma Effect of Betulinic Acid Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles: A Mechanistic In Vitro Approach. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:1362. [PMID: 36355533 PMCID: PMC9698836 DOI: 10.3390/ph15111362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Implementing metallic nanoparticles as research instruments for the transport of therapeutically active compounds remains a fundamentally vital work direction that can still potentially generate novelties in the field of drug formulation development. Gold nanoparticles (GNP) are easily tunable carriers for active phytocompounds like pentacyclic triterpenes. These formulations can boost the bioavailability of a lipophilic structure and, in some instances, can also enhance its therapeutic efficacy. In our work, we proposed a biological in vitro assessment of betulinic acid (BA)-functionalized GNP. BA-GNP were obtained by grafting BA onto previously synthesized citrate-capped GNP through the use of cysteamine as a linker. The nanoformulation was tested in HaCaT human keratinocytes and RPMI-7951 human melanoma cells, revealing selective cytotoxic properties and stronger antiproliferative effects compared to free BA. Further examinations revealed a pro-apoptotic effect, as evidenced by morphological changes in melanoma cells and supported by western blot data showing the downregulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 expression coupled with the upregulation of pro-apoptotic Bax. GNP also significantly inhibited mitochondrial respiration, confirming its mitochondrial-targeted activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxana Ghiulai
- Department of Pharmacology-Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Alexandra Mioc
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pathophysiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Roxana Racoviceanu
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Marius Mioc
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Andreea Milan
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Alexandra Prodea
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Alexandra Semenescu
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Cristina Dehelean
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Lucian Barbu Tudoran
- Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Faculty of Biology and Geology, “Babes-Bolyai” University, 5–7 Clinicilor Street, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Electron Microscopy Integrated Laboratory, National Institute for R&D of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, 67–103 Donat Street, 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ștefana Avram
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- Deparment of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2nd Eftimie Murgu Sq., 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Cristina Trandafirescu
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Codruța Șoica
- Department of Pharmacology-Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
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Miclea I. Secondary Metabolites with Biomedical Applications from Plants of the Sarraceniaceae Family. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:9877. [PMID: 36077275 PMCID: PMC9456395 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Carnivorous plants have fascinated researchers and hobbyists for centuries because of their mode of nutrition which is unlike that of other plants. They are able to produce bioactive compounds used to attract, capture and digest prey but also as a defense mechanism against microorganisms and free radicals. The main purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the secondary metabolites with significant biological activity found in the Sarraceniaceae family. The review also underlines the necessity of future studies for the biochemical characterization of the less investigated species. Darlingtonia, Heliamphora and Sarracenia plants are rich in compounds with potential pharmaceutical and medical uses. These belong to several classes such as flavonoids, with flavonol glycosides being the most abundant, monoterpenes, triterpenes, sesquiterpenes, fatty acids, alkaloids and others. Some of them are well characterized in terms of chemical properties and biological activity and have widespread commercial applications. The review also discusses biological activity of whole extracts and commercially available products derived from Sarraceniaceae plants. In conclusion, this review underscores that Sarraceniaceae species contain numerous substances with the potential to advance health. Future perspectives should focus on the discovery of new molecules and increasing the production of known compounds using biotechnological methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ileana Miclea
- Department of Fundamental Sciences, Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnology, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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11
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Budu O, Banciu C, Pinzaru I, Sarău C, Lighezan D, Șoica C, Dehelean C, Drăghici G, Dolghi A, Prodea A, Mioc M. A Combination of Two Probiotics, Lactobacillus sporogenes and Clostridium butyricum, Inhibits Colon Cancer Development: An In Vitro Study. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10091692. [PMID: 36144294 PMCID: PMC9506018 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10091692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide and, even though several advances have been made in terms of specific treatment, the late-stage detection and the associated side effects of the conventional drugs sustain the search for better treatment alternatives. Probiotics are live microorganisms that have been proven to possess numerous health benefits for human hosts, including anticancer effects. In the present study, the in vitro effect of the association of two probiotic strains (PBT), Lactobacillus sporogenes and Clostridium butyricum, were tested against colon (HT-29 and HCT 116), lung (A549), and liver (HepG2) cancer cell lines, alone or in combination with 5-fluorouracil (5FU). Moreover, the underlying mechanism of PBT and PBT-5FU against the HT-29 cell line was evaluated using the Hoechst 33342 staining, revealing characteristic apoptotic modifications, such as chromatin condensation, nuclear fragmentation, and membrane blebbing. Furthermore, the increase in the expression of pro-apoptotic Bax, Bid, Bad, and Bak proteins and the inhibition of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL proteins were recorded. Collectively, these findings suggest that the two strains of probiotic bacteria, alone or in association with 5FU, induce apoptosis in colon cancer cells and may serve as a potential anticancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oana Budu
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timişoara, Romania
| | - Christian Banciu
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timişoara, Romania
| | - Iulia Pinzaru
- Department of Toxicology and Drug Industry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timişoara, Romania
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Correspondence: (I.P.); (C.S.); Tel.: +40-256-494-604
| | - Cristian Sarău
- Department of Medical Semiology I, Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timişoara, Romania
- Correspondence: (I.P.); (C.S.); Tel.: +40-256-494-604
| | - Daniel Lighezan
- Department of Medical Semiology I, Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timişoara, Romania
| | - Codruța Șoica
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timişoara, Romania
| | - Cristina Dehelean
- Department of Toxicology and Drug Industry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timişoara, Romania
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - George Drăghici
- Department of Toxicology and Drug Industry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timişoara, Romania
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Alina Dolghi
- Department of Toxicology and Drug Industry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timişoara, Romania
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Alexandra Prodea
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timişoara, Romania
| | - Marius Mioc
- Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timişoara, Romania
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Wang F, Bai J, Li F, Liu J, Wang Y, Li N, Wang Y, Xu J, Liu W, Xu L, Chen L. Investigation of the mechanism of the anti-cancer effects of Astragalus propinquus Schischkin and Pinellia pedatisecta Schott (A&P) on melanoma via network pharmacology and experimental verification. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:895738. [PMID: 36034875 PMCID: PMC9411814 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.895738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is a commonly malignant cutaneous tumor in China. Astragalus propinquus Schischkin and Pinellia pedatisecta Schott (A&P) have been clinically used as adjunctive drugs in the treatment of malignant melanoma. However, the effect and mechanism of A&P on melanoma have yet to be explored. The current investigation seeks to characterize the active components of A&P and their potential roles in treating malignant melanoma using network pharmacology and in vitro and in vivo experiments. We first used the traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology (TCMSP) database and high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) to identify a total of 13 effective compounds within A&P. 70 common genes were obtained by matching 487 potential genes of A&P with 464 melanoma-related genes, and then we built up protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of these 70 genes, followed by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. The results revealed that A&P might influence the pathobiology of melanoma through the PI3K/Akt pathway. Molecular docking also confirmed that higher content of ingredients in A&P, including hederagenin, quercetin, beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol, had a strong binding activity (affinity < −5 kcal/mol) with the core targets AKT1, MAPK3 and ESR1. Furthermore, we confirmed A&P could inhibit melanoma cells proliferation and induce cells apoptosis through suppressing the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway by in vitro and in vivo xenograft model experiments. These findings indicate that A&P may function as a useful therapy for melanoma through the PI3K/Akt pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Xi’an International Medical Center Hospital, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Juan Bai
- Department of Pharmacy, Xi’an International Medical Center Hospital, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Xi’an International Medical Center Hospital, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Xi’an International Medical Center Hospital, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yanli Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Xi’an International Medical Center Hospital, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Xi’an International Medical Center Hospital, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yaqi Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Xi’an International Medical Center Hospital, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Jin Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, Xi’an International Medical Center Hospital, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Wanbao Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Xi’an International Medical Center Hospital, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Liting Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, Xi’an International Medical Center Hospital, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
- *Correspondence: Lin Chen,
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Chioran D, Sitaru A, Macasoi I, Pinzaru I, Sarau CA, Dehelean C, Dinu S, Szuhanek C, Zetu IN, Serafin AC, Rivis M, Poenaru M, Dragoi R. Nicotine Exerts Cytotoxic Effects in a Panel of Healthy Cell Lines and Strong Irritating Potential on Blood Vessels. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:8881. [PMID: 35886732 PMCID: PMC9323709 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The use of tobacco products is a major global public health issue, as it is the leading cause of preventable death worldwide. In addition, nicotine (NIC) is a key component of electronic and conventional cigarettes. Although nicotine's addictive potential is well known, its health effects are not entirely understood. Thus, the main objective of the present study was to evaluate its toxicological profile both in vitro, at the level of three healthy cell lines, and in ovo, at the level of the chorioallantoic membrane. Five different concentrations of nicotine were used in keratinocytes, cardiomyocytes, and hepatocytes for the purpose of evaluating cell viability, cell morphology, and its impact on nuclei. Additionally, the hen's egg test on the chorioallantoic membrane (HET-CAM) method was used to assess the biocompatibility and irritant potential of the chorioallantoic membrane. Across all cell lines studied, nicotine was proven to be significantly damaging to cell viability, with the highest concentration tested resulting in less than 2% viable cells. Moreover, the morphology of cells changed dramatically, with alterations in their shape and confluence. Nicotine-induced cell death appears to be apoptotic, based on its impact on the nucleus. In addition, nicotine was also found to have a very strong irritating effect on the chorioallantoic membrane. In conclusion, nicotine has an extremely strong toxicological profile, as demonstrated by the drastic reduction of cell viability and the induction of morphological changes and nuclear alterations associated with cellular apoptosis. Additionally, the HET-CAM method led to the observation of a strong irritating effect associated with nicotine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doina Chioran
- Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (D.C.); (S.D.); (C.S.); (A.C.S.); (M.R.)
| | - Adrian Sitaru
- Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.S.); (M.P.); (R.D.)
| | - Ioana Macasoi
- Departament of Toxicology and Drug Industry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (I.M.); (C.D.)
- Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluations, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Iulia Pinzaru
- Departament of Toxicology and Drug Industry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (I.M.); (C.D.)
- Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluations, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Cristian Andrei Sarau
- Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.S.); (M.P.); (R.D.)
| | - Cristina Dehelean
- Departament of Toxicology and Drug Industry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (I.M.); (C.D.)
- Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluations, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Stefania Dinu
- Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (D.C.); (S.D.); (C.S.); (A.C.S.); (M.R.)
| | - Camelia Szuhanek
- Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (D.C.); (S.D.); (C.S.); (A.C.S.); (M.R.)
| | - Irina Nicoleta Zetu
- Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa” Iasi, University Street No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Andra Cristine Serafin
- Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (D.C.); (S.D.); (C.S.); (A.C.S.); (M.R.)
| | - Mircea Rivis
- Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (D.C.); (S.D.); (C.S.); (A.C.S.); (M.R.)
| | - Marioara Poenaru
- Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.S.); (M.P.); (R.D.)
| | - Razvan Dragoi
- Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.S.); (M.P.); (R.D.)
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Role of Plant-Derived Active Constituents in Cancer Treatment and Their Mechanisms of Action. Cells 2022; 11:cells11081326. [PMID: 35456005 PMCID: PMC9031068 DOI: 10.3390/cells11081326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite significant technological advancements in conventional therapies, cancer remains one of the main causes of death worldwide. Although substantial progress has been made in the control and treatment of cancer, several limitations still exist, and there is scope for further advancements. Several adverse effects are associated with modern chemotherapy that hinder cancer treatment and lead to other critical disorders. Since ancient times, plant-based medicines have been employed in clinical practice and have yielded good results with few side effects. The modern research system and advanced screening techniques for plants’ bioactive constituents have enabled phytochemical discovery for the prevention and treatment of challenging diseases such as cancer. Phytochemicals such as vincristine, vinblastine, paclitaxel, curcumin, colchicine, and lycopene have shown promising anticancer effects. Discovery of more plant-derived bioactive compounds should be encouraged via the exploitation of advanced and innovative research techniques, to prevent and treat advanced-stage cancers without causing significant adverse effects. This review highlights numerous plant-derived bioactive molecules that have shown potential as anticancer agents and their probable mechanisms of action and provides an overview of in vitro, in vivo and clinical trial studies on anticancer phytochemicals.
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Application of Quality by Design Approach to the Pharmaceutical Development of Anticancer Crude Extracts of Crocus sativus Perianth. Sci Pharm 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/scipharm90010019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The application of the Quality by Design (QbD) concept to extracts obtained from Crocus sativus perianth with potential anticancer activity will ensure the safety, efficiency, and quality control of the entire technological process, as well as determine the critical factors affecting the quality of extracts. Potentially critical points of the production of the plant extracts, including the cultivation and processing of the plant materials, the extraction process, and the choice of solvents, were identified using the Ishikawa diagram and FMEA risk assessment methods as well as the corrective actions proposed. The Herbal Chemical Marker Ranking System (HerbMars) approach was used to justify the Q-markers choice of Crocus, which takes into account bioavailability, pharmacological activity, and the presence of the selected standard. An experimental design (DoE) was used to assess the influence of potentially critical factors on the efficiency of the compound extraction from raw materials with water or ethanol. The presence of 16 compounds in Crocus perianth was determined by HPLC and their quantitative assessment was established. Selected compounds (ferulic acid, mangiferin, crocin, rutin, isoquercitrin) can be used for the quality control of Crocus perianth. In addition, the stigmas from the Volyn region met the requirements of ISO 3632 for saffron as a spice (category I). The cytotoxic activity against melanoma (IGR39) and triple-negative breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) cell lines of the hydroethanolic extract of C. sativus perianth was significantly more pronounced than the water extract, probably due to the chemical composition of the constituent components. The results show that the QbD approach is a powerful tool for process development for the production of quality herbal drugs.
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Júlio A, Costa JG, Pereira-Leite C, Santos de Almeida T. TransfersomILs: From Ionic Liquids to a New Class of Nanovesicular Systems. NANOMATERIALS 2021; 12:nano12010007. [PMID: 35009956 PMCID: PMC8747046 DOI: 10.3390/nano12010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Ionic liquids (ILs) have increasingly been studied as key materials to upgrade the performance of many pharmaceutical formulations. In controlled delivery systems, ILs have improved multiple physicochemical properties, showing the relevance of continuing to study their incorporation into these formulations. Transfersomes are biocompatible nanovesicular systems, quite useful in controlled delivery. They have promising characteristics, such as elasticity and deformability, making them suitable for cutaneous delivery. Nonetheless, their overall properties and performance may still be improved. Herein, new TransfersomILs systems to load rutin were developed and the physicochemical properties of the formulations were assessed. These systems were prepared based on an optimized formulation obtained from a Box-Behnken factorial design (BBD). The impact of imidazole-based ILs, cholinium-based ILs, and their combinations on the cell viability of HaCaT cells and on the solubility of rutin was initially assessed. The newly developed TransfersomILs containing rutin presented a smaller size and, in general, a higher association efficiency, loading capacity, and total amount of drug release compared to the formulation without IL. The ILs also promoted the colloidal stability of the vesicles, upgrading storage stability. Thus, ILs were a bridge to develop new TransfersomILs systems with an overall improved performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Júlio
- CBIOS—Universidade Lusófona’s Research Center for Biosciences & Health Technologies, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal; (A.J.); (J.G.C.); (C.P.-L.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Alcalá, Ctra. Madrid-Barcelona Km. 33.600, Alcalá de Henares, 28871 Madrid, Spain
| | - João Guilherme Costa
- CBIOS—Universidade Lusófona’s Research Center for Biosciences & Health Technologies, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal; (A.J.); (J.G.C.); (C.P.-L.)
| | - Catarina Pereira-Leite
- CBIOS—Universidade Lusófona’s Research Center for Biosciences & Health Technologies, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal; (A.J.); (J.G.C.); (C.P.-L.)
- LAQV, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Tânia Santos de Almeida
- CBIOS—Universidade Lusófona’s Research Center for Biosciences & Health Technologies, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal; (A.J.); (J.G.C.); (C.P.-L.)
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +35-12-1751-5500
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Phytochemical Analysis and In Vitro Cytotoxic Activity against Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Cells of Hippophae rhamnodies L., Cymbopogon citratus (D.C.) Stapf, and Ocimum basilicum L. Essential Oils. PLANTS 2021; 10:plants10122752. [PMID: 34961223 PMCID: PMC8704097 DOI: 10.3390/plants10122752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancer types with current deficient and aggressive treatment options, but various studied alternative therapies are able to efficiently contribute to its management. Essential oils (EOs) contain valuable compounds, with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties, which might serve as effective solutions in CRC prophylaxis or treatment. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the phytochemical composition and in vitro biological activity of essential oils derived from Hippophae rhamnoides (Hr_EO), Cymbopogon citratus (Cc_EO), and Ocimum basilicum (Ob_EO) species on HT-29 and Caco-2 human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines. The main compounds identified by GC-MS analysis were estragole (Hr_EO, Ob_EO), alpha- and beta-citral (Cc_EO). All tested EOs exerted a dose-dependent cytotoxicity on both cell lines by reducing the cell viability, especially in the case of Cc_EO, where at 75 µg/mL the viability percentages reached the values of 62.69% (Caco-2) and 64.09% (HT-29), respectively. The nuclear morphology evaluation highlighted significant dysmorphologies on both lines after their treatment with EOs at 75 µg/mL.
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Pandey P, Khan F, Qari HA, Oves M. Rutin (Bioflavonoid) as Cell Signaling Pathway Modulator: Prospects in Treatment and Chemoprevention. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:1069. [PMID: 34832851 PMCID: PMC8621917 DOI: 10.3390/ph14111069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a complex ailment orchestrated by numerous intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. Recent research has displayed a deep interest in developing plant-based cancer therapeutics for better management of the disease and limited side effects. A wide range of plant-derived compounds have been reported for their anticancer potential in the quest of finding an effective therapeutic approach. Rutin (vitamin P) is a low-molecular weight flavonoid glycoside (polyphenolic compound), abundantly present in various vegetables, fruits (especially berries and citrus fruits), and medicinal herbs. Numerous studies have delineated several pharmacological properties of rutin such as its antiprotozoal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antiviral, antiallergic, vasoactive, cytoprotective, antispasmodic, hypolipidemic, antihypertensive, and antiplatelet properties. Specifically, rutin-mediated anticancerous activities have been reported in several cancerous cell lines, but the most common scientific evidence, encompassing several molecular processes and interactions, including apoptosis pathway regulation, aberrant cell signaling pathways, and oncogenic genes, has not been thoroughly studied. In this direction, we attempted to project rutin-mediated oncogenic pathway regulation in various carcinomas. Additionally, we also incorporated advanced research that has uncovered the notable potential of rutin in the modulation of several key cellular functions via interaction with mRNAs, with major emphasis on elucidating direct miRNA targets of rutin as well as the process needed to transform these approaches for developing novel therapeutic interventions for the treatment of several cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratibha Pandey
- Department of Biotechnology, Noida Institute of Engineering and Technology, 19, Knowledge Park-II, Institutional Area, Greater Noida 201306, India;
| | - Fahad Khan
- Department of Biotechnology, Noida Institute of Engineering and Technology, 19, Knowledge Park-II, Institutional Area, Greater Noida 201306, India;
| | - Huda A. Qari
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Mohammad Oves
- Center of Excellence in Environmental Studies, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
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